The programme was jointly hosted by Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Universitas Negeri Malang (UM), Universitas Brawijaya (UB), and Hospital Kanjuruhan, showcasing a holistic engagement that combined academic lectures, research collaboration, institutional partnerships and community outreach.
Departure and Arrival: Setting the Stage for Regional Impact
On 2nd May 2025, both lecturers departed from Kuala Lumpur to begin their academic mission in Malang. This marked the beginning of a week-long engagement designed to foster regional collaboration, enrich nursing education and address shared healthcare priorities between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Community Engagement at Puskesmas Bantur
The programme’s first major activity took place on 3rd May 2025 through a meaningful community engagement at Puskesmas Bantur, a local community health clinic.
The session served as a platform for Dr. Haliza and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Mariam to share their knowledge and experiences in managing community mental health, maternity health and healthcare services for individuals with special needs. Discussions with Indonesian health practitioners revealed common challenges and fostered mutual understanding, reinforcing the importance of cross-border collaboration in strengthening primary healthcare delivery and supporting vulnerable populations.
Cultural Exposure and Local Immersion
On the following day, the delegates participated in a cultural visit organised by the host institutions. The excursion provided insights into local customs, traditions and heritage, enriching their understanding of the social context in which Indonesian healthcare services operate.
This cultural exchange highlighted the importance of respecting local values and community contexts when delivering effective, culturally responsive and empathetic healthcare.
Guest Lectures at Universitas Brawijaya and Joint Publication Writing
The academic agenda advanced significantly on 5th May 2025, when both KON academics delivered guest lectures at Universitas Brawijaya.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Mariam Muda presented “The Essential Role of Nurses in Postpartum Care: Promoting Maternal Health and Well-being,” emphasising the importance of nursing leadership in maternal care, particularly during the postnatal period.
Dr. Haliza Hasan, in her lecture titled “The Essential Role of Nurses in Community Empowerment: Promoting Collective Health and Well-being,” explored the transformative role nurses play in advocating for public health at the grassroots level.
These sessions were attended by undergraduate and postgraduate students and facilitated vibrant academic discourse. Later that day, the delegates also participated in a joint academic writing session with faculty members from the host universities, initiating a collaborative manuscript for peer-reviewed publication that reflects shared expertise and research priorities.
Guest Lectures at Universitas Brawijaya and Hospital Collaboration
The academic exchange continued the following day with additional guest lectures at Universitas Brawijaya. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Mariam Muda delivered “Advances in Lactation Management: Promoting Optimal Breastfeeding Practices in the Modern Era,” highlighting the latest evidence-based strategies in lactation support.
Meanwhile, Dr. Haliza Hasan presented “Current Trends in Research on Special Needs: Fostering Planetary Well-being,” focusing on inclusive healthcare research and its alignment with global sustainability goals.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited Hospital Kanjuruhan to explore clinical collaboration opportunities. Discussions centred on student placement for the Master of Advanced Practice (MAP) programme, particularly in Emergency and Midwifery specialisations, while also exploring future joint initiatives in public health campaigns and research.
The visit marked a promising step towards stronger hospital-academic integration for workforce development, professional training and healthcare service improvement.
Establishment of MoUs with UMM and UM and Cultural Visit
On 7th May, the Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM formalised strategic academic partnerships through meetings towards the establishment of Memoranda of Understanding with Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang and Universitas Negeri Malang.
These agreements are expected to facilitate student and staff exchanges, collaborative research, academic training and mobility programmes. The partnerships reflect a shared commitment towards elevating nursing education, strengthening research capacity and advancing cross-border institutional collaboration, particularly within the ASEAN region.
On the following day, as the final activity of the programme, the delegates participated in a cultural visit to Petik Apel. The experience offered the IIUM delegation an opportunity to experience rural life and community-based sustainability practices.
The visit symbolised unity with nature and served as a meaningful cultural conclusion to a week of academic, professional and institutional engagement.
Through academic lectures, community engagement, collaborative writing, clinical visits and institutional partnerships, the programme demonstrated how international academic mobility can simultaneously strengthen nursing education, research capacity, professional practice and regional relationships.
Programme Outcomes
Advancing Nursing Leadership Through International Collaboration
The 3-in-1 Visiting Professor Programme has successfully demonstrated the potential of academic diplomacy in addressing regional health issues through knowledge-sharing, research partnerships and community engagement. With five expert lectures delivered, a joint research publication underway, one rural community programme completed, and three institutional collaborations established, the programme has laid the groundwork for sustainable and impactful international cooperation. This initiative reflects the Kulliyyah of Nursing IIUM’s unwavering commitment to global health equity, academic excellence, internationalisation and the advancement of nursing leadership in Southeast Asia.